Summer vs Winter Hiking
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
Hiking is so enjoyable no matter what the season. It is an amazing physical activity that can be considered a cardiovascular workout that helps build endurance, balance, strength and improve overall fitness. Winter hiking actually enhances the physical activity required even more than the other seasons. Hiking during any season has also been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote mental well-being. The combination of physical exercise, fresh air, and exposure to natural light can help alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. Every season also offers the beauty of nature whether it's the lush vibrant scenery of summer, fall foliage or the beauty and wonder of being surrounded by fresh snow in the winter.
There are definitely many pros and cons for both winter and summer hiking. I think for any type of hiking excursion preparation is key and it can make or break any type of hike. Summer hiking pros are extended daylight hours, access to water and warmth. Winter hiking pros are solitude, skill development and unique challenges/adventures. Summer hiking cons are bugs/animals, poisonous plants and dehydration/heat stroke. Winter hiking cons are equipment/safety, trail access and fatigue/hypothermia.
Summer Hiking Pros
Summer is obviously the more popular choice for hiking for most people. This can likely be contributed to nice warm weather, extended daylight hours and perhaps access to water. Summer offers a wide range of hiking trails suited for all levels of experience, from novice to expert. Whether one prefers the challenge of rugged mountain terrains or the ease of flat, scenic routes along lakes or rivers, summer hiking provides options for everyone. This diversity ensures that individuals can find trails that match their skill level and interests. Summer hiking requires less equipment which also makes it more accessible to all people.
Extended Daylight Hours
One of the best things about hiking in the summer is how long the days are. The sun rises much earlier and sets much later which allows hikers to embark on long excursions without the worry of being stuck on a trail in the dark. This enhances the safety of hikes and allows hikers to enjoy views and appreciate all the beauty that surrounds them. The chance to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets adds to the allure, creating memorable experiences that are often shared among friends and family.
This means that shortened winter days are automatically on the con list. I don't know how many winter hikes I've been on where I'm concerned about getting off the trail before the sun sets (hint: a lot). Winter terrains can also be difficult to gauge on how long they will take because it can be dependent on how much snow there is etc. So this can also play in to how long you hike for and if you are stuck in the dark.
Access to Water
Many summer hiking trails are located near lakes, rivers, or waterfalls. After a long hike, hikers can cool off by swimming or relaxing by the water. These activities can enhance the overall experience, making a day of hiking even more rewarding. Water access is also a huge bonus when you're hiking with dogs, since they don't sweat in order to regulate their body temperature, getting their paws in water allows them to cool off as well.
Warmth
The warm weather that summer brings is a significant draw for most hikers, people seem to absolutely hate the cold. This warmth allows individuals to enjoy their hikes without the need for heavy layers of clothing, which can often be cumbersome and restrictive. The pleasant climate not only makes hiking more enjoyable but also encourages longer excursions.
While warm weather is amazing, this can also be put on the summer con list because the potential to become dehydrated or get heat exhaustion is higher on those hot summer days.
Winter Hiking Pros
Winter hiking presents a unique and exhilarating experience that differs significantly from hiking during other seasons. The allure of snow-covered landscapes and the crisp, fresh air can make for an unforgettable adventure. Here are several advantages that make winter hiking a compelling activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
Solitude
During the winter months, many popular hiking trails see a significant drop in foot traffic. This reduction in visitors means that hikers can enjoy a more solitary experience, allowing for deeper reflection and appreciation of the natural surroundings. The solitude found on winter trails can be refreshing, as it provides a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself in the peacefulness of nature. While it can be absolutely amazing to have nature to yourself, it also adds to the challenge of the workout because you may find yourself breaking trail through snow the entire time. I've had this rough experience on this hike: Mallory Beach
Skill/Mental Development
Winter hiking often requires additional skills and knowledge compared to summer hiking. Navigating snowy and icy trails may necessitate the use of specialized gear such as snowshoes or crampons, and understanding how to dress in layers is crucial for maintaining warmth and comfort. This season offers a chance to learn about winter safety, including navigation techniques in snow-covered terrain. These skills not only enhance the hiking experience but also promote personal growth and confidence in outdoor activities. Winter hiking has offered me more mental development than I've ever experienced in the summer. It tests your strength and mental fortitude more times than not.
Unique Challenges/Adventures
Winter hiking presents its own set of challenges that can add excitement to the experience. From navigating through deep snow to dealing with changing weather conditions, each hike can be an adventure filled with unpredictability. Overcoming these challenges can foster a sense of resilience and accomplishment. Additionally, winter hiking can include activities such as ice climbing or exploring frozen waterfalls, which can provide unique thrills that are not available during other seasons. When navigating on winter hikes, typically no one else has done it. You aren't following someone else's footprints and are forging your own unique path, that no one else has completed.
Summer Hiking Cons
No season is perfect for any activity and hiking it no different. While summer is usually the first option for hikers, there are some drawback that include: bugs/animals, poisonous plants and heat stroke/dehydration.
Bugs/Animals
Worst thing about summer hiking is probably the bugs (mosquitos, ticks etc). I probably don't need to elaborate but in the winter you don't have to deal with that. Huge bonus! Especially if you have dogs and have to constantly watch for ticks. Even if your dogs are on tick medication, there is a worry that the tick can transfer to you from them.
Animals are more active in the summer time, whether we are talking chipmunks, squirrels, snakes, porcupines or bears. While this may be a draw for some people, this can also create issues if you hike with dogs. Please make sure your dogs are leashed when hiking to keep them (and the wild animals) safe. We followed a porcupine on a bruce trail hike for 5-10 minutes. I know that if my dogs weren't leashed they would have went to interact with the porcupine. Read all about it here: Beaver Valley and Hiking with a Porcupine. If you're hiking the Bruce Trail in the Peninsula area then you have the rare chance that you could meet a bear. Read about what to do in this scenario here: Black Bear Safety when Hiking with Dogs. In the winter, they are typically hibernating and therefore aren't around. These animals aren't usually that active in the winter so if you have dogs there's less stress about them meeting any of these animals.
Poisonous Plants
Another thing about summer hiking is poisonous plants (ex poison ivy). It's very important to have basic knowledge of these poisonous plants so that you can point them out and avoid the area. The Bruce Trail is pretty good at having signs warning you of poison ivy. Usually dogs are fine around poison ivy because their fur acts as a barrier against the plants oils. However there is a risk that the oils sit on their fur and can be transferred to humans, so it is best to avoid such cases.
These plants aren't active in the winter time so any winter hikes you go on, you don't need to worry about these poisonous plants.
Heat Stroke/Dehydration
If you've ever had heat stroke or been dehydrated you know it's not fun. I've experienced this one time when training for a duathlon with my Mom. We had biked 30kms and then ran 10kms and I felt fine during the training, I was even drinking tons of water etc But by that night I felt awful. I had no energy, felt like I had cold sweats and felt like I could throw up. It was not a fun experience, one that I never want to repeat. In the high heat of the summer, being outdoors hiking and exerting yourself could lead to both of these issues.
When it comes to hiking with dogs, you need to be more careful in the heat for them as well. I remember last year the dogs and I went out first thing in the morning for a short hike. It was already quite warm but I figured with it being a short hike, it would be fine. I was clearly wrong since Oliver ended up getting a heat rash on his belly which lasted for close to a week.
Winter Hiking Cons
Winter hiking comes with its own set of challenges and drawbacks that hikers should carefully consider before embarking on an adventure during the colder months. A hike that takes a certain amount of time in the summer might take twice as long in the winter, depending on the snow conditions. This also leads to concerns about the sun setting and time running out.. Here are some of the notable cons associated with winter hiking: fatigue, safety and limited trail access.
Fatigue/Hypothermia
Hiking in winter conditions can be physically demanding. The added weight of snow on the ground can make trails more strenuous, requiring more effort to navigate. Cold temperatures can also lead to quicker fatigue, as the body works harder to maintain its core temperature. Hikers may find themselves needing to take more frequent breaks, which can slow down overall progress and increase the risk of exposure to the elements.
Nobody likes to be cold, however if you are dressed appropriately, this wont be an issue. I don't think I have ever been cold on a winter hike. It just requires a little more effort to have the right gear and safety requirements. In the summer you can just put shoes on and go, this is definitely not the case for winter. While the cold may be a con for most people, for my family it is a pro. Summer days get super hot and the huskies can't hike in that weather so for us it only makes sense that we hike in the winter.
One of the most significant drawbacks of winter hiking is the unpredictable and often harsh weather conditions. Temperatures can plummet, leading to extreme cold that can cause frostbite or hypothermia if proper precautions are not taken. Additionally, winter storms can roll in unexpectedly, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and reduced visibility, which can make navigation difficult and dangerous.
Equipment/Safety
The winter landscape can be treacherous. Snow and ice can obscure trails and cover a lot of hidden dangers below. This makes it easier to lose footing and increases the risk of slips and falls. This can lead to serious injuries, including sprains, fractures, or even more severe accidents. For example; we have encountered snow covering rock crevices on our hikes of the Bruce Trail. At one point I had my foot slide in to a crevice, luckily I was unharmed. However my foot could have become wedged or injured in this instance. Read about our experiences with this here: Jones Bluff and Dangerous Rock Fissures. To mitigate risks involved in winter hiking it requires hikers to increase their knowledge and have the right equipment to assess and mitigate these dangers.
Winter hiking necessitates specialized gear that is often more expensive than standard hiking equipment. Proper insulation, waterproofing, and thermal layers are essential to keep warm and dry. Additionally, hikers may need to invest in snowshoes, crampons etc. depending on the terrain and conditions. This added financial burden, along with the need for maintenance and care of the gear, can be a deterrent for many. Read all about it here: Winter Hiking Gear
Sometimes the snow in winter is actually helpful for winter hiking. In the fall, I have hiked in the Peninsula area and there have been many instances where I had to assist Mia and Oliver either up onto big rocks, or down off rock ledges in order to continue the hike. This hasn't been an issue in the winter because the snow covers all the rock ledges and acts like a ramp or slope that we need to climb up or down, which the dogs are able to easily traverse.
Trail Access
Many hiking trails may be closed or inaccessible during the winter due to snow accumulation, maintenance, or safety concerns. This can limit the options available for winter hikers, forcing them to seek out alternative routes or locations that may not be as well-known or maintained. Additionally, some parks and natural areas may have restrictions in place during the winter months, further complicating access to popular hiking destinations. In the winter, I have come across many parking lots that have not been plowed which means I have to quickly change my plans. Also, some roads aren't maintained in the winter so you may not have access to the parking lot, as per my one hike Cape Chin. In the winter you need to be ready to change plans at the last minute which has happened to me so many times.
Conclusion
Every season offers unique advantages and disadvantages to hiking. I think most of these cons for both summer and winter can be avoided with proper preparation. Especially when going on long hikes, being prepared is essential for your safety and enjoyment of the hike.
Thank you so much,
Kendal
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